Multi-Directional ASRS Vehicles With Bridge Layout for Dense Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) face inefficiencies in space utilization and operational productivity, particularly in handling loads with multi-directional autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), as they often require complex and space-inefficient mechanisms for vertical movement and carrier handling.
Innovation Solution
A storage system utilizing a rectangular grid of uprights supporting carrier supports and wheeled automated vehicles with lifting surfaces, enabling vertical movement via toothed racks and motorized platforms, along with a control system for efficient storage and retrieval of carriers, allowing for omnidirectional movement and bridge structures to span divides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional ASRS with aisle and row tracks are used, then loads can be transferred to designated storage areas, but space utilization is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional aisle and row tracking to three-dimensional omnidirectional movement. Vehicles can move horizontally along flooring levels and vertically between levels, creating a cubic storage space utilization model rather than planar aisle-based access, thereby eliminating wasted aisle space while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional vehicles serve multiple functions: they transport loads horizontally across any flooring level, vertically between levels via elevators, and can access any carrier position within the rack structure. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate aisle tracks, row tracks, and transfer mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while improving space utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex vertical movement mechanisms are used for multi-directional AGVs, then omnidirectional movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elevators as intermediary devices that handle vertical movement separately from the horizontal omnidirectional vehicle operation. The vehicles themselves remain relatively simple two-wheel differential-drive units that operate on horizontal flooring levels, while vertical transitions are managed by dedicated elevator mechanisms, dividing the complexity into manageable independent subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional movement capability is segmented into independent horizontal and vertical components. Horizontal movement is achieved through simple two-wheel differential drive on each flooring level, while vertical movement is handled by separate elevator mechanisms. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, maintaining vehicle simplicity while achieving overall omnidirectional capability
3Productivity
If traditional carrier handling mechanisms are used, then loads can be stored and retrieved, but productivity and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional vehicles autonomously navigate to carrier positions, lift carriers using their integrated lifting surfaces, and transport them to destination locations without requiring external handling mechanisms. The vehicles self-manage the complete carrier transfer process, eliminating the need for complex automated transfer devices and increasing operational throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the carrier lifting function directly into the omnidirectional vehicle platform. The vehicle's lifting surface integrates the carrier handling capability with the transport function, allowing a single device to both transport loads and manipulate carriers, thereby simplifying the overall system while increasing productivity through coordinated multi-function operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances space utilization and operational efficiency by optimizing carrier handling and movement, improving throughput and reducing complexity in ASRS operations.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis, at least one motor for driving the pair of wheels
Implementation Method 2
a lifting surface for supporting a supported one of the carriers and shiftable between a lowered condition and a raised condition
Implementation Method 3
a pair of vertically-extending toothed racks; and a motorized platform having a pair of pinions engaged to the toothed racks and driven by a motor for vertical movement between the flooring levels
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage system (20; 300) for storing loads (32) held by carriers (30; 330) has a plurality of uprights (46; 346) and a plurality of carrier supports (66; 366) mounted to the uprights. A plurality of flooring levels, one above another, are supported by the plurality of uprights and form a first bank (552A) and a second bank (552B) with a divide (550) between. A plurality of bridges (570) have deployed conditions spanning the divide and stowed conditions not spanning the divide.